Politics a game of Billiards: Who has been more 'close' to BJP - Omar Abdullah or Sachin Pilot ?

The comparison of Politics to Chess is a known thing. But Politics is often also akin to the game of billiards. You hit at one ball and the resultant is seen on something else.

A first 'side effect' of Rajasthan rebellion in the Congress camp apparently is that the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has earned the anguish of a renowned 'sickular' player Omar Abdullah.

Farooq sharing stage with Vajpayee, Advani and George

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah is anguished over comments made by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Baghel, also someone whom Rahul Gandhi reposed faith in December 2018, linking his (omar's) release from nearly nine months' detention to the revolt by Sachin Pilot against the Gehlot government in Rajasthan.

Baghel provoked Omar, brother-in-law of Sachin Pilot when he said "I have been tracking the Rajasthan events closely, but it does make anyone curious why Omar Abdullah was released? He and Mehbooba Muftiji were booked under the same sections of the law. While she is still languishing, he is out. Is it because Mr Abdullah is the brother-in-law of Sachin Pilot?"

Poor Omar!!

Sachin Pilot married Omar's sister Sara in 2004 and in an earlier blog, I did raise a pertinent issue and wrote: "Power politics has many layers. The question of whether one has one's own political power or goes to work for someone else would always be a vital question".

Link:

https://bestofindiarestofindia.blogspot.com/2020/07/sachin-piloted-congress-win-in-2018.html

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, tweeted angrily: "I am fed up of the downright malicious and false allegation that what Sachin Pilot is doing is somehow linked to my or my father’s release from detention earlier this year. Enough is enough". 

"Mr Bhupesh Baghel will be hearing from my lawyers," he further said.

Abdullahs did not want to keep the matter confined to one missive in the micro blogging site by Omar alone.

The National Conference as a political outfit also issued a strong statement.

"This statement (of Baghel) apart from being false and scurrilous is defamatory to the reputation of Mr. Omar Abdullah as well. It is within the province of public knowledge that the release of Mr. Omar Abdullah happened after judicial intervention was sought from the Supreme Court and the illegal order of detention of Mr. Abdullah was challenged. Given the indefensible nature of the illegal detention order the same was revoked by the Government during the course of the proceedings before the Supreme Court. 

We have taken cognizance of the libelous statement of Mr. Baghel and we are presently in the process of consulting our lawyers and shall be initiating appropriate legal action against the aforesaid statement."

Obviously Abdullahs' "right links" in the Congress party may not come to the rescue of Baghel in terms of facing a legal battle.

But importantly, it needs to be pointed out that Abdullahs are no paragons of principles and etc etc!

It is not Sachin Pilot, son of Late Rajesh Pilot who brings Omar closer to the BJP ---- if at all.

Omar had himself served as Minister of State for External Affairs under Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

He was MoS from 23 July 2001 to 23 December 2002 and resigned from NDA government in October 2002 citing "party works" as the main reason for quitting the government.

So, long before Sachin was in politics, Omar and his dad Farooq Abdullah had done business with the saffron party.

A detained protagonist of Art 370

I have covered Dr Farooq Abdullah once extensively at an Aligarh Muslim University function in year 2000.

Some students in the AMU camus had protested Abdullah's presence in our presence in the varsity campus ostensibly for violation of human rights in 'Kashmir'. The real annoyance with those Kashmiri students was of course Dr Abdullah, then Chief Minister, for his 'nexus' with the Vajpayee regime.

Abdullah in his address at the occasion of Convocation function was not apologetic about the National Conference-BJP alliance and had said, "I am showing faith in Vajpayee, because he is close to the RSS."

"Kyon ki yeh banda ....RSS ka banda hae"

Fraooq Abdullah's statement was meant to imply that only a 'RSS man' in Delhi and a military man in Pakistan (then it was Gen Musharraf era in Islamabad) could solve the Kashmir dispute and herald peace! Of course, Abdullahs parted ways from the BJP over Gujarat riots and quickly did business with the Congress. 

Its three MPs in Lok Sabha in 2004 including Omar Abdullah backed Congress-led dispensation and did not miss any opportunity to attack BJP.

Of course, even in 1999, Abdullahs politics vis-a-vis BJP was like any other opportunist regional player like Trinamool Congress of Mamata Banerjee.

National Conference like Trinamool was "worried about the impact of their alliance" because of the sizeable 'Muslim electorate' in their backyards. Thus, NC leaders stayed away from May 15, 1999 meeting when the National Democratic Alliance was formally named. The parties, however, agreed to contest general elections with a common manifesto under the leadership of Vajpayee in 1999 (the polls were necessitated as Vajpayee government fell by one vote).

Interestingly, innocuous and Congress high command's 'obedient' lieutenant Giridhar Gamang, then Odisha Chief Minister in office, was blamed for the fall of the NDA regime by just one vote. But it is also true that a vote that also "mattered" was of Saifuddin Soz, who had defied the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference diktats.

Soz later dumped Abdullahs and joined Congress !

A Damaad of Farooq Abdullah

PM’s address at India Ideas Summit 2020

July 22, 2020

Namaste!

Business leaders,
Distinguished guests,

I thank the US-India Business Council for inviting me to address the 'India Ideas Summit'. I also congratulate the USIBC on its forty fifth anniversary this year. Over the past decades, the USIBC has brought Indian and American business closer. USIBC's choice of this year's Ideas Summit -‘Building a Better Future' is also very very relevant.

Friends,

We all agree that the world is in need for a better future. And, it is all of us who have to collectively give shape to the future. I firmly believe that our approach to the future must primarily be a more human- centric one. Our growth agenda must place the poor and vulnerable at the core. ‘Ease of Living’ is as important as ‘Ease of Business’.

Friends,

Recent experience has taught us that the global economy has been too focused on efficiency and optimization. Efficiency is a good thing. But, on the way, we forgot to focus on something equally important. That is resilience against external shocks. It has taken a global pandemic to remind us how important resilience is.

Friends,

Global economic resilience can be achieved by stronger domestic economic capacities. This means improved domestic capacity for manufacturing, restoring the health of the financial system and diversification of international trade.

Friends,

India is contributing towards a prosperous and resilient world through the clarion call of an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. And, for that, we await your partnership!

Friends,

Today, there is global optimism towards India. This is because India offers a perfect combination of openness, opportunities and options. Let me elaborate. India celebrates openness in people and in governance. Open minds make open markets. Open markets lead to greater prosperity. These are principles on which both India and the USA agree.

Friends,

During the last six years, we have made many efforts to make our economy more open and reform oriented. Reforms have ensured increased ‘Competitiveness’, enhanced ‘Transparency’, expanded ‘Digitization’, greater ‘Innovation’ and more ‘Policy stability’.

Friends,

India is emerging as a land of opportunities. Let me give you one example of the tech sector. Recently, an interesting report came out in India. It said for the first time ever, there are more rural internet users than even urban internet users. Imagine the scale! There are about half a billion active internet users in India now. Half a billion connected people. Does this sound huge to you? Hold your breath. Because, there are over half a billion more people who are being connected. Opportunities in technology also include opportunities in the frontier technologies of 5G, Big data analytics, Quantum computing, Block-chain and Internet of things.

Friends,

The options to invest in India are extensive. India invites you to invest in the hard-work of our farmers. India has done historic reforms in the agriculture sector recently. There are investment opportunities in: Agricultural inputs and machinery, Agriculture supply chain management, Ready-to-eat items, Fisheries and Organic produce. India's food processing sector is expected to be worth over half a trillion dollars by 2025. To grow more streams of revenue, the best time to tap investment opportunities in Indian agriculture sector is now!

India invites you to invest in healthcare. The Healthcare sector in India is growing faster than 22 percent every year. Our companies are also progressing in production of medical-technology, tele-medicine and diagnostics. India and the US have already built a robust partnership in the Pharma sector. To achieve scale and speed, now is the best time to expand your investment in Indian health-care sector!

India invites you to invest in energy. As India evolves into a gas-based economy, there will be big investment opportunities for US companies. There are also big opportunities in the clean energy sector. To generate more power for your investment, this is the best time to enter the Indian power sector!

India invites you to invest in infrastructure. Our nation is witnessing the largest infrastructure creation drive in our history. Come, be a partner in building housing for millions, or building roads, highways and ports in our nation.

Civil Aviation is another area of great potential growth. The number of Air passengers are expected to more than double within next 8 years. The top private Indian airlines plan to include over a thousand new aircraft over the coming decade. This is a huge opportunity for any investor who chooses to set up manufacturing facilities in India, which can become a base for supplying regional markets. A similar case is obvious for setting up Maintenance Repair and Operations facilities. To give flight to your aviation targets, this is an ideal time to invest in the Indian aviation sector.

India invites you to invest in defense and space. We are raising the FDI cap for investment in defense sector to 74 percent. India has established two defense corridors to encourage production of defense equipment and platforms. We offer special incentives for private and foreign investors. A few weeks ago, we cleared path-breaking reforms in the space sector. Come, be a part of these upcoming sectors.

India invites you to invest in finance and insurance. India has raised FDI cap for investment in insurance to 49 percent. Now 100 percent FDI is permitted for investment in insurance intermediaries. The insurance market in India is growing at a rate of more than 12 percent and is expected to grow to 250 billion dollars by 2025. With the success of Ayushman Bharat, our health assurance scheme, PM Fasal Bima Yojna, our crop insurance scheme and Jan Suraksha or social security schemes, the government has laid the ground for quick adoption and acceptance of insurance products. There are large untapped opportunities for increasing insurance cover in health, agriculture, business and life insurance. To generate long term and assured revenues, the Indian insurance sector is one of the best investment options right now!

I have given you a few options and that too without any consultancy fees.

Friends,

When the markets are open, when the opportunity is high and the options are many, can optimism be far behind! You can see the optimism when India rises in key business ratings. Particularly the Ease of Doing Business ratings of the World Bank.

Investment is the best show of confidence. Every year, we are reaching record highs in FDI. Each year is significantly higher than the earlier one. FDI inflows in India in 2019-20 were 74 billion dollars. This is an increase of 20 percent from the year before that. Friends in USIBC inform that ‘pledged investment’ from the US has already crossed 40 billion dollars this year! Also see what has happened even during the ongoing pandemic. In the middle of COVID, India has attracted foreign investment of more than 20 billion dollars between April and July 2020!

But, India offers many more opportunities. We have what is needed to power the global economic recovery.

Friends,

The rise of India means: a rise in trade opportunities with a nation that you can trust, a rise in global integration with increasing openness, a rise in your competitiveness with access to a market which offers scale. And a rise your returns on investment with the availability of skilled human resources.

Friends,

For this vision, there are few better partners than the United States of America. India and the USA are two vibrant democracies with shared values. We are natural partners. The US-India friendship has scaled many heights in the past. Now it is time our partnership plays an important role in helping the world bounce back faster after the pandemic. American investors often look out for the perfect timing to enter a sector or a country. To them, I would like to say: there has never been a better time to invest in India!

I once again thank the USIBC leadership for their commitment to advancing India-US economic partnership. May the USIBC keep scaling new heights!

May the India-America friendship grow further!

Namaste!
Thank you!

New Delhi
July 22, 2020

India's tryst with Temple and Modi's push for Hindutva politics

WILL L K ADVANI VISIT AYODHYA ON AUG 5, 2020 ....alongside PM Modi....
BJP veteran has been chief protagonist associated with Temple movement

Modi pushes controversial temple to center-stage of Indian politics

Blogger and Mr Advani, 2001: Nagaland

If everything goes by the plans, August 5, 2020 would also go down the memory lane as a 'Red Letter
Day' for Hindu nationalistic forces in India as was August 5, 2019.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India's best known uncompromising hardliner of Hindutva politics,
will participate in the first bricklaying ceremony of a 'grand Ram temple' at Ayodhya --- the venue where a 16th century Babri Masjid was demolished in 1992.

Of course, the razing of the 'disputed structure' set off deadly communal riots across the country
and left about 2000 people killed. 

Of course, the government authorities, the powerful Sanghparivar (the conglomeration of Hindutva forces in a country of 1.3 billion) and the influential Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust - all have Supreme Court's backing to kickstart construction of the temple.

In November 2019, the apex court had ruled in favour of a Ram temple.

The judges upheld the claims of Hindu petitioners to the land at the center of the dispute — less than three acres in size — and ordered it be held in a trust overseen by the central government.

Modi is all set to lay the foundation stone at around 12.15 pm on August 5 for the construction of the Ram Temple, a senior priest Mahant Kamal Nayan Das of the Temple Trust announced.

“Timings for the foundation laying ceremony for the Prime Minister has been decided according to the Hindu calendar and the most auspicious time (12.15 pm) on August 5 has been selected,” he said.

In 2019, August 5, the Modi government had abolished controversial law Article 370 - repealing an act that gave sort of an autonomous power to the Muslim-majority and militancy hint province of Jammu and Kashmir.

India has a long standing dispute with its neighbour Pakistan over Kashmir.

Notably, the two issues - abolition of Article 370 and Ram temple at Ayodhya have been on the
main agenda of Modi's BJP since its inception in 1980.

(article/commentary in UCA News)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi plans to visit a controversial temple site in a move that could boost his party's idea of making India a Hindu-only nation.

Modi, known for his hardline politics, is expected to participate in the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the temple in northern India's Ayodhya town, considered the birthplace of Hindu lord Ram.

A centuries-old dispute over a temple-mosque structure in Ayodhya was aggravated in 1992 when Hindu zealots demolished the structure. It triggered nationwide Hindu-Muslim riots, killing at least 2,000 people.

Modi's pro-Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to the political mainstream by demanding demolition of the 16th-century mosque built by Muslim ruler Babur. They claimed Muslims built the mosque after demolishing a temple and campaigned to destroy it and build a new Hindu temple at the site.

The temple construction was part of the BJP's election promises but was delayed because of court cases over land ownership. In November 2019, India's Supreme Court ruled in favour of a Ram temple.

The judges upheld Hindu petitioners' claims to the ownership of the land of less than three acres. It also ordered the land to be owned by a trust overseen by the federal government.

Modi is all set to join the foundation stone-laying ceremony at 12.15pm on Aug. 5 to start the temple construction, according to senior Hindu priest Mahant Kamal Nayan Das of the Temple Trust.

"Timings for the foundation-laying ceremony for the prime minister have been decided according to the Hindu calendar and the most auspicious time," he said.

On Aug. 5 last year, the Modi government abolished a clause in the Indian constitution, taking away the semi-autonomous status given to Jammu and Kashmir, India's only Muslim-majority state, neighboring Pakistan.

The action was also part of the BJP's poll pledges just like the temple in Ayodhya — the two top agendas of the BJP since its inception in 1980.

Hindu groups, led by their fountainhead Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), have been making these demands since India's independence after a bloody partition that led to the division of India as Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan.

Modi's proposed visit to the stone-laying ceremony of the Ram temple has explicit political ramifications and is opposed by the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Maharashtra-based Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).

Sharad Pawar, NCP chief and a former defense minister, triggered a row when he said that "the government needs to pay attention to the economy" in an effort to fight the coronavirus pandemic rather than temple construction. He said the Modi government needs to decide what needs to be given attention and importance.

Communist leader D. Raja opposed Modi's plan on the ethics of governance. "Our constitution clarifies that the prime minister and the government should be neutral towards all religions. PM Modi's visit to Ayodhya is an ill-advised move. He cannot identify himself with a particular religion," Raja said.

The scheduled visit will be Modi's first visit to the temple site in the six years after he assumed charge of governance on May 26, 2014.

However, Congress and other opposition parties have so far remained silent on the temple construction itself. They know that opposing the temple after a favorable judgment from the Supreme Court would be problematic.

The principal opposition Congress party — led by Italy-born Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul Gandhi and daughter Priyanka Gandhi — has also been silent on the proposed construction of a Ram temple and Modi's visit to the spot.

Congress is facing a dilemma after often being described as an "anti-Hindu party." Hindu groups accuse it of projecting a secular image by largely depending on Hindu votes and appeasing Muslims.

Congress leaders deny this, but the party has suffered a drubbing in consecutive national polls in 2014 and 2019.

"We are not anti-Hindu. The BJP and their spin masters have tried to push a line, and they seem to have taken custody of Lord Ram. Frankly speaking, Ram belongs to the entire country and Indian civilization as a moral guide," said Ilyas Quereshi, a Congress leader in Ahmedabad.

"The Indian economy is in the doldrums. The country is in a war with China over boundary disputes. The Covid-19 figures have jumped to over one million. More than 27,497 people are dead, but this government's priorities are different." 

BJP leaders say that opposing the temple construction on the pretext of the economy and pandemic amounts to insulting Hindus.

"Stop treating Hindus as second-rate citizens," BJP spokesman Gaurav Bhatia said, directing his anguish towards opposition parties.

Another BJP leader, Subramanian Swamy, has said that the battle against the coronavirus and temple construction should not be mixed.

"It is a ridiculous argument ... you cannot compare two alternatives which are not equal. We can have both; we can fight Covid-19 as well as inaugurate the Ram temple," he said.

But those who study Indian political history know that the BJP's politics remain intertwined with the Ayodhya temple and its pro-Hindu ideology.

"Today's elections require two things: a popular face and emotive issues. Ideologies may not matter much. The BJP has Narendra Modi, and pursuing temple politics actually attracts millions of Hindu voters," Tushar Bhadra, a political observer based in Modi's constituency of Varanasi, told UCA News.

"On the other hand, the Congress party and other opposition parties are stuck in the 1970s with no plans and issues at hand." 

Politically, Modi's temple move should be seen as a long-term strategy for national elections due in 2024.

Diwali mood after HC Verdict in 2010

A Varanasi-based political observer Tushar Bhadra told UCA News: "Today's elections require two things

a popular face and emotive issues. Ideologies may not matter much. The BJP has Narendra Modi and pursuing

temple politics actually attracts millions of Hindu voters. On the other hand, the Congress party and other

opposition parties stuck in the 1970s with no plans and issues at hands". 

Opposition leaders do not agree, Ilyas Quereshi of Congress says: "Indian economy is in doldrums.

The country is in war with China over boundary disputes. Twenty soldiers were killed in June. The Covid19

figures have jumped to over 10 lakhs (one million). There are 3,90,459 active cases as of July 20. There have

been 27,497 deaths, but this government's priorities are different". 

However, politically Modi stands to benefit by his methodologies.

Prime Minister's failures have created a space for opposition parties but they are not well prepared to 

take the battle to his camp. Most of the blame perhaps lies in the Congress party's "inability" to 

take on Modi and his political machinations.

""....the Nehru-Gandhi clan that leads it (Congress party) will have to seriously rethink how they can defeat Mr Modi,"

said an edit in Britain's newspaper 'The Guardian' last year.

2010: Muslim visitor near Temple complex

India blasts Pak on Kulbhushan, says Islamabad violating ICJ orders

Axiom of a ‘girl friend’ : My short story

(some friends said in this story, I was sentimental and trying to glorify some good Gandhian and middle class values)

Do you agree ??

(my short story penned in 2011 and is part of the volume 'Heart Alone - Whispers in Relations' )

I have returned to the lawns of India Gate – all alone after a long time. Many years back I used to be here, yes—alone, and almost regularly. A melee of memories, old and new come flooding in.
Nothing much seemed to have changed here all these years. The evening hours especially on weekends would get over-crowded. The volume of the incoming crowd into these lush green lawns intrigued me always.

Those were compulsive years. I was in this city struggling. Well, I had come to the city, the national capital, to struggle. So to be alone was not unusual. For me, New Delhi exploded with activity. At a leading news organisation of the country, I had enough reasons to keep myself busy. I was on a mission. Therefore, I was in some kind of hurry also. But to pass off dull off-days I used to walk into these lawns.

Sitting on the grassy cushion, I would stare up blink at the sky above – often counting the distant stars, enjoy the breeze in summer and go back home after enjoying ice cream – but not so regularly. I was always concerned about my pocket. Heart in heart, I practiced to be a miser though I never wanted this to be told or known to anybody.

But in any case, I was conscious I had a steady and secured job. But I also knew, I had miles to go. Many things to do, many stories to break and good money to make. Only then may I think of wedlock and settling down.

My days and nights in Delhi notwithstanding the work pressure and the summer of Delhi, the urban violence and very disturbing law and order situation in the parts of the city I lived were far better than the violence and genocide generated by Ak-47, artillery, machine guns and planting of bombs in northeast hills. 

My backyards in insurgency-hit northeast India were often very scary. Nagas were attacking the Kukis, the Khasis were attacking Nepalis, the Assamese were now targeting Biharis after their decade long tensed relationship with Bengalis. I was being an escapist. But, yes, I was also being pragmatic. Bravado would not justify suicide or to stay back in that region braving a consistent tension.

I knew, I was a coward too. Both the northeast violence and the hate campaign of the political class especially kept me worried. But I also lacked the vital courage in my personal life. I had many friends in the northeast – both boys and girls. Some of them had really anchored my life. I had a few girlfriends too. Some of them I did admire. A few of them, I did not appreciate much. But they were still friends or at least known to me or acquaintances.

But I never gathered enough courage to court anyone for the kill.

Pushpa was one girl I did not admire much. Contrary to that I had great admiration for Snehlata. I admired her for many things. Her attractive features. Her mental set up, intellect. And so on.

I used to admire her rosy cheeks and those used to redden further when she felt excited about a movie or the chicken noodles we had in a choosy cushy restaurant. In my admiration, I used to turn poet at times. I used to even quiz her affectionately, why black mole go so well on her fair face? Why does this black Kajal go well on your eyes?

She would smile mischievously; often making me feel that she is giving me some kind of mixed signals.

These questions would be, however, never answered properly.

But, I was her fan in more ways than one. Staying away from Snehlata, from a safe distance, I had admired her creamy white feet and delicately well built arms. I also thought she had a good heart with affection for contemporaries and younger ones and respect for elders. What more would one expect from a girl?

Even after so many years, about 11 when I saw her last, and 12 years six months since her marriage, I could get lost in a web of thoughts about Snehlata. My mind could manage without rest, it seemed.

Unwittingly, staring at the brown majestic India Gate with a facelift as the lights were switched on, I was still wondering that Snehlata would probably get fascinated by the same old books, dresses and food and even thoughts, we shared in common.

“You and your idealism….. often I think, you are misguiding me a lot with those lofty talks,” she would often tell me.

I must have been weaving stories in my head trying to recollect the past and try to place them in the present. Future obviously looked more curious when a little boy came running and almost silently stood behind me - eager to pick up his ball that had rolled near the spot I was sitting lazily.

The five-year-old Tomboyish look lad was charming enough. Having nothing much left in my personal life, after I got divorced, the smiling charm intrigued me. 

My gaze kept chasing him till he ran back holding his ball close to the chest. He ran to his parents. It was twilight hours in a not so unfamiliar place, yet full of strangers.

The initial phases of light on the skies danced on the distant Raisina Hill, the majestic Rashtrapati Bhavan and the equally historic other towering buildings in the Lutyens City.

It is true, often things before your own eyes seem so unreliable. I was stunned as the boy walked floppily to his mother’s arms. I gazed. I continued to gaze at the young boy’s mother. Yes, she is Pushpa.

My eyes were full of wonder. On the other side, Pushpa too was stunned and was probably trying to recollect my name or some old anecdotes.

On my part, I knew it was Pushpa. We were friends at least for 4-5 years. I was obviously happy that she has done well. Got married and had a child.

I walked fast towards them. Pushpa was perhaps more excited than me. She was laughing, screaming and crying in joy. She recollected our past days, and introduced me to her husband. Probably never knew that I did not like her much, especially in comparison to Snehlata. Her husband appeared a sober looking gentleman. Frankly, I was so overwhelmed that I did not know what I should say. I was not sure what I was doing. We spoke for an hour, chatted, shared ice cream and occasionally, I had to exchange notes with her husband as Pushpa had to run like any affectionate mother running after her errand yet lovely kid.  

Even while talking to her husband, from a distance, I could presume my eyes would rise and fall on Pushpa like a tide…..

In contrast to my opinion in the past, today I found her livelier.

I was feeling both - nervous and shy.

At one point, I asked her about Snehlata, having known that they were good friends and presumed – both must be in touch with each other.

“Yes,  I have her contact number, she is also in Noida,” Pushpa replied.

Before I could say anything, she added, rather very quickly, “you can take my number too…. But don’t tell Snehlata I gave you her number”.

I could not understand why of all the people Snehlata, the person I admired so much and who was my best friend for quite a few years starting from pre-graduation days could mind for getting her number.

But soon I realized my folly about many things in life. Having wings is one thing, but being able to fly is another, I had read somewhere. 

Being a friend or knowing someone, intimately as you thought is one thing, but facing the reality after so many years is another.

When during the next weekend, I had called Snehlata – honestly unmindful of Pushpa’s veiled cautioning, I knew the enthusiasm was not much on the other side. In contrast, I could measure; Pushpa was more excited about the chance meeting.

Still braving the hesitation I landed up at Snehlata’s place the next Sunday almost as an uninvited guest. Memories of early youth-hood spun before my eyes. I was ready to swallow the insult. It was I, who had taught her how to play chess. It was she who used to beat me hollow in words-puzzle and still I used to seek pleasure in those defeats.

But I was for a bigger shock. My best friend for years has really changed, I thought. Or she was like this only, ‘self-seeking’. --- 

But in my madness for admiration for everything she spoke and did; I never understood those days. But now, since I am also over 40, I knew she cannot be the person I could even like - forget admiring. I proved an ass in judging human beings – especially the women.

“As far as I know about girls….,” I had often prided myself but all had come a cropper.

At her place, I realized that the self-seeking philosophy of my ‘best friend’ has reduced her to a level I could not fathom about.

I was not being sentimental. But in the past I could never comprehend Snehlata abusing and using scornful language for her aging in-laws. 

FOR PUSHPA, I HAD ALWAYS THOUGHT THAT SHE WOULD BE A WED-LOCK DISASTER.

But it was Snehlata, in front of me, she sent her in-laws away to the adjoining servant room and screamed: “Didn’t I tell you oldies, never to come out when my friends are around. Die in that stinking room”.

I did not understand what was going on. 

Snehlata, I had thought once would not even scold a defying servant like this. But she was unrepentant. 

She volunteered to clarify to me saying, : “This is why I don’t like my friends coming into this house. They are my in-laws. Both have become just liability in simple words. Real burden for the earth”. She was fuming.

Is this my friend? Is this the girl whom I admired so much? Is this the girl I thought was worth emulating?

I felt annoyed and irritated. I tried to gaze towards the two aging couples as they almost limped back in their fragile limbs – holding each other helplessly - towards that servant room in the spacious flat of Snehlata. The old man stood in silence momentarily – may be willing to tell me his version of the story… but helplessly in his moist eyes only gave a bewildered look, something evident probably I could understand.

Slowly, I decided to move out of this place. To my surprise, Snehlata remained aloof and almost sanctioned my departure. On the contrary, she reminded me that she kept busy schedules these days.

As Snehlata’s truth came to light, I was trying to come to terms with the shocker.

Xi Jinping uncomfortable with Modi-Trump bonhomie, QUAD

Xi and Modi: Gandhi Ashram, Ahmedabad

“It is for the people of Asia to run the affairs of Asia, solve the problems of Asia and uphold the security of Asia.”- Xi Jinping in 2014 -- making it clear that the western or the US influence must be minimised in Asia.

This certainly reflects Chinese uneasiness on growing Indo-US ties as also the formation of QUAD between India, the US, Japan and Australia.

Encouraged by overwhelming 'positive responses' to my previous piece piece on Xi Jinping published in 'Phoenix Post' on June 29, 2020, I am offering here one more piece on him but largely concentrating on his 'new' concept of foreign policy - that focuses on a new type of relations with global players and that will also have a diplomacy with typical Chinese characteristics.

Xi has already demonstrated that he is a determined man and a more decisive leader than most of
his predecessors.

But Chinese establishment has reasons to feel bad about growing bonhomie between India, the US, Japan and Australia.

Giving this QUAD a further push, defence sources in Delhi say the Modi government could
invite Australia to join the annual Malabar naval exercise that has so far included just Japan and the U.S.

Making a clear forward movement in November 2017 at Philippines capital Manila, India, the US, Japan and Australia
had joined hands to enhance security cooperation in the Indo Pacific region and thus sought to build up
fresh pressure on China.
The move certainly gave a 'clearer shape' to a new Security Architecture especially in the
blue waters and in a region where China has been flexing muscles.

Within a year of his taking charge (in 2012), the Chinese government under Xi in 2013 articulated that
on the internal front, it has pledged to and hopes to "promote, through our diplomacy," the Chinese culture,
contribute Chinese wisdom to the handling of international relations, share China's governance experience and offer Chinese solutions to improve global governance.
All these also seek to provide more public goods for humanity to meet a variety of new challenges of the 21st century, it was said.

The diplomacy of 'New China' has traversed an extraordinary journey over the past sixty years and more, said Chinese Foreign
Minister Wang Yi at the Second World Peace Forum, June 27, 2013 to be precise.

He had also categorically stated that: "In the new era, China will stay committed to its independent foreign policy and firmly safeguard national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity in its diplomacy. We will decide on our own policies and positions on the merit of an issue without being attached or submissive to any external force. We regard this as the spirit and strength of China's diplomacy".

Thus, if they have taken a stance and drawn military strategy at Galwan, the Xi Jinping dispensation will continue to be on the same warpath in one form or the other.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 3, 2020 visited Leh and underlined that "expansionist" designs will no longer work or go a long way in the new world order.

But Chinese foreign policy as understood from the trajectory drawn by Xi Jinping's leadership is precisely on that line - the expansionist designs.

This is not only a mere contradiction in Chinese approaches, it poses challenges too. Some analysts suggest that Mr Modi also knows it well that this is going to be a long drawn engagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The Phoenix Post, Port Blair

Hence it is imperative that the Indian authorities would try to read in between the words and lines.

It goes without stating that the new ideas of the Xi era reflect transitions in China’s place in the international system, its military strength, global influence and by way of economic and political powers.

But before marching on further on this, it ought to be understood that the Chinese diplomacy has not been transparent and very clear from the beginning.
However, there is a paradoxical element that it has benefited from its ambiguity. Look at Beijing's Pakistan policy vis-a-vis
UN system and other multilateral platforms.
It has tried to be Pakistan's all weather friend and a mentor! On issues like terrorism etc, there has been always a disconnect
between China's rhetoric and actions on ground.

But over the years while such ambiguity has remained a constant factor, China under Xi Jinping was and is obviously different
from what it was under Mao Zedong, who had ruled as the chairman of the Communist Party of China
from its establishment in 1949 until his death in 1976.

Experts say China wanted to be 'left alone' to undergo - what it believed - a revolutionary transformation and of course
without outside 'interference'.

Nevertheless, while this approach did not bother a Chinese citizen in his country, gradually the 'control' regime
has started leaving an impact on domestic politics too.
Thus when some New Delhi-based journalists including this writer visited China in August 2019, there were discussions
but amid the huskier voice on whether the Chinese society has already turned 'more and more' muted.

My specific interactions on the same with some individuals (of course Chinese) informally provided no
clear answer whether this silence is only a genuine by-product of fear or it is a resultant of people's
utter most "trust" in the Chinese Communist Party and the leadership.

On this backdrop comes the relevance of Prime Minister Modi's cautioning that 'expansionist' will either be
defeated or will have to take a turn or retreat in different directions.

Modi's hint was on Xi Jinping - with whom he had tried to build up a personal rapport and also attended two
informal Summits in 2018 and 2019.

But as a pragmatic politician, Modi will do well to understand the political compulsions of Xi Jinping.

If there is a charge of 'deceitfulness' against China today vis-a-vis Galwan breach of trust, all of it cannot be blamed
on President Xi Jinping personally. The Chinese president needs troubles along Indian border to stem some possible
unhappiness among comrades in his own country and the party.

It must be also noted that Beijing is guided less by ideology or the issues of right and wrong. Chinese strategies
including with the US and India are in effect 'guided by baser instincts' of typical medieval period - absolute power
and larger territory.
China is very much uncomfortable to see its own international discomfort - like corona crisis and also
its isolation even on issues of terrorism. Internationally, there have been many 'loyalists' but most trusted
friends or similarities are two ugly regimes of North (DPR) Korea and Pakistan.

China is obviously displeased by the language of assertiveness from the Modi regime.

It has also taken with a pinch of salt the Modi government's firm stance on abolition of Article 370 and
BJP leaders' references to Aksai Chin.

Xi Jinping's regime has been 'unhappy' to see India's rise as its chief competitor in Asia and also
as a strategic and most trusted ally of the United States.

Moreover, QUAD formulated in 2017 in the Philippines during ASEAN Summit by India, the US, Japan and
Australia did not go well with Beijing.

China has reasons to be uncomfortable!

As it is these four members are 'strong democracies' and though still an informal umbrella body, the QUAD
grouping has been coordinating efforts lately with three new crucial players - South Korea, New Zealand and Vietnam.

Thus, the relationship between China and Vietnam, South Korea and New Zealand could  be also
negatively impacted, especially in the context of maritime policies.

ends

EU leaders rakeup Citizenship law, Kashmir row yet again; but show confidence in Indian Supreme Court

European Union wants Indian Supreme Court to tackle CAA issue but reiterates concern over 'discriminatory' provisions 

Historic 15th India-EU Virtual Summit

The European Union has once again expressed concerns over a controversial citizenship law in India that allegedly discriminates against Muslims, but said it had faith the country's top court would address them.

At a virtual summit with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 15, European Union leaders expressed concern that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) passed last December "contradicted" India’s own Constitution, which guarantees the right to equality for every person.

"I would like to say that we trust Indian institutions. We understand the Supreme Court will have a role to play to assess this legislation,” said Charles Michel, president of the European Council, at a virtual press briefing (from Brussels) after the India-EU Virtual Summit 2020.

"You know that in the European Parliament this was an important topic, and we raised this issue in our talks,” he said referring to the new law.

The controversial law passed in a parliament dominated by Modi’s pro-Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), triggered nationwide protests and also sharp criticism from government detractors.Related News-Protests spread over India's controversial citizenship law Protests spread over India's controversial citizenship lawIndia’s new citizenship law is not just against MuslimsIndia’s new citizenship law is not just against MuslimsUS panel downgrades India in religious freedom ratingUS panel downgrades India in religious freedom ratingPandemic fails to end anti-Christian violence in IndiaPandemic fails to end anti-Christian violence in India

The law aims to provide citizenship to migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan who entered India on or before Dec. 31, 2014. But it restricts eligibility to people belonging to six religious groups — Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians — and excludes Muslims.

An official of India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that the issue was brought up by the EU during the virtual summit.

Indian authorities feel the EU leaders are also attempting to strike a balance on the issue by "expressing their faith" in Indian institutions (the Supreme Court in this case) to address the grievances.

However, the Indian government has insisted the citizenship law is not discriminatory.

BJP leaders and government officials maintain that the aim of the CAA is to ensure that citizenship is granted to "persecuted religious minorities, including Christians and Hindus" coming from the three neighboring countries.

Socialist leader Dharmendra Yadav agreed with the EU criticism."The European Union has done its homework, the law not only discriminates against Muslims from the three countries, it specifically excludes Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar,” he told UCA News.

Such a law violates international norms as Amnesty International and the United Nations have described Rohingyas as the world’s most persecuted minority, he said.Critics say the law shows the BJP’s historical animosity toward Muslims and their support for the ideology of making India a Hindu-only nation. The law has prompted detractors of the BJP both in India and abroad to speak out.

A senior Trinamool Congress party leader in West Bengal says the purpose of the law was to “provide legitimacy to the idea of religious persecution” in neighboring nations and help religious minorities.

“But whether its a goof-up or deliberate, the term religious persecution is not included in the final text of the bill. Why?" he asked.

As many as 626 of 751 members of the European Union parliament had moved six resolutions in January on the

Citizenship Amendment Act and the Modi government's clampdown on Jammu and Kashmir after abrogation of

a constitutional provision (Article 370) that earlier gave autonomy to Muslim-stronghold state of J&K - which of course

was a 'militacy hit' province.

Indian government said abrogation of the Article would help 'integrating' Muslim-majority Kashmir with the national

mainstream and also fight the terror menace.

Many opposition leaders are still detained since then in Kashmir.

In January this year, as many as six groups of European Union parliamentarians moved the resolutions but the

voting on the same was deferred. Indian diplomats saw the postponement as "their victory" and that EU officially

did not want to take a formal stance against the Modi government.

The six groups were - the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats with 154 members; the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) with 182 members; European United Left and Nordic Green Left with 41 members; Greens/European Free Alliance with 75 members; Conservatives and Reformists with 66 members; and the Renew Europe Group with 108 members.

India has, however, insisted that the Citizenship Law was not discriminatory.

BJP leaders and officials in the Modi government maintained that the aim of the

Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) is to ensure that citizenship is granted to "persecuted religious minorities,

including Christians and Hindus" coming from three neighboring countries - Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

However, opposition parties, minority communities leaders and western media have pushed the

line that the law was discriminatory to Muslims.

A sub-committee of European Parliament on human rights had also written to PM Modi's trusted aide

and federal Home Minister Amit Shah about its concerns over the arrest of some activists.

When contacted an Indian official said: "The European Council and the European Commission had taken

a line in June that the European Parliament is an 'independent entity' which sometimes take positions which

do not necessarily reflect the position of either the Council or the Commission".

The EU has been raising the issue of clampdown on Kashmir as well.

But a delegation of 27 politicians, including far-right MPs from France and the UK visited Kashmir amid tight security.

India's belligerent neighbour Pakistan had condemned the change of status of Kashmir territory, that India

described as 'internal matter' of India.

"The delegation of Members of European Parliament is not on an official visit in India and came here at the invitation of a non-government group," an EU official in India had said last year on condition of anonymity.

Notably, EU Foreign Minister Federica Mogherini earlier raised the issue of "restrictions on fundamental freedoms"

in Kashmir with India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar.

It is also worth mentioning here that in the context of CAA, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human 

Rights has also slammed the law. It also insisted that the arrest of the anti-CAA protesting leaders were 

unjustified. 

"The arrest seems clearly designed to send a chilling message to India's vibrant civil society that criticism of government policies will not be tolerated," it had said.

A sub-committee of European Parliament on human rights had also written to federal Home Minister

Amit Shah, the man who piloted the controversial draft law in Indian Parliament, about its concerns over the 

arrest of activists Gautam Navlakha and Anand Teltumbde.

Curiously but not surprisingly, both EU and India are keen to enhance bilateral ties and give further push to trades.

Both sides have decided to revive the stalled parleys (since 2013) for a Free Trade Agreement and hence 'uncomfortable'

matters may be avoided.

EU also needs to diversify its supply chain from China to other areas like India and hence in order push up

trade ties, controversial issues like Kashmir and CAA can be put on a backburner.

The EU is also one of the largest investors in India with cumulative investment of over $91 billion.

The EU is also India's largest trading partner for goods with trade exceeding $100 billion. 

In his remarks, Prime Minister Modi has emphasised that India and EU are "natural partners".

Ends